Interview with Monica Mynk, Author and Speaker
Last week you read my review of new-to-me author Monica Mynk’s book, The Billboard Bride. If you haven’t read it, I suggest you do. It was a cute story with lots of humor. Today, Monica has graciously agreed to be interviewed.
Monica Mynk is a wife, mother, and high school science teacher from Central Kentucky. She has worked with college, teenage, and middle-grade girls in both secular and spiritual arenas for over twenty-five years. She has also served as Bible class teacher, Bible camp counselor, ladies’ day speaker, ladies’ devotional leader, and youth coach for the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes program. She has always been an avid reader and loved creative writing, and has devoted many years to independently studying the craft.
Thank you for agreeing to an interview, Monica.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Motivated daughter of the King
As a wife, mother, teacher, and speaker, how is it you have time to write?
Well, years ago I read a quote from Khaled Hosseini, who wrote The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns (if you haven’t read these books, stop reading! Go right now and get them!). He was a doctor, and woke up at 5:00 a.m. every day to write. I thought if he can, why couldn’t I? So I force myself to. That’s how I ended up with eight books and more coming.
“Pennies make dollars, and words make novels.” – Monica Mynk
How has your writing journey impacted your faith?
Writing has certainly deepened my faith. I started writing fiction several years ago after losing my best friend to cancer. When I started, it was therapy. Friends and fellow ACFW writers like Rose McCauley, Ralene Burke, Betty Thomason Owens, and Victoria Bylin offered advice and inspiration. Now, it’s a huge part of who I am. Sometimes I write blogs about Bible journaling and contextual studies, which has been awesome! If you want to get started with Bible Journaling, I highly recommend Kathy Pollard’s blog: http://comefillyourcup.com/features/bible-marking-features/
How do you minister to others?
I write broken girls, as reassurance that they can find their way back to God. I speak at ladies days, mostly at Churches of Christ. My usual topic is Ungodly Clutter, which is the title of my ladies Bible study book. Other topics include Being Less, What’s Your Calling? and A Sweet-Smelling Savior. More information is available at this link: https://monicamynk.com/speaking/
What was your publishing journey like?
My writing journey is complicated. I was with a small publisher, but have since retained the rights to all my books. I now do everything under my DBA, Prodigal Daughter Publishing. It was a leap of faith for sure, but this works out so much better for me. I often donate books to homeless shelters and such. It’s nice to be able to purchase my own books at the Createspace price instead of having to pay extra to someone else. I’ve learned every step of the process, from cover design to editing to formatting, and sometimes (when I’m not swamped with teaching) I offer these services to other authors. https://monicamynk.com/author-services/
The prices listed are general, but I will try to work with an author to meet their budget when I can. I especially like to do chapter edits, which is a good way for someone who’s never had an edit to get their feet wet with the process.
Are you a planner or a seat of your pants plotter?
I’m sort of a hybrid between a pantser and planner. I free-write about 10,000 words to “find the story” then plan each chapter out in great detail. I keep a ton of notes. Otherwise, characters have odd hair color or name changes!
You have eight books out now, The Billboard Bride being the newest. What inpired you to write The Billboard Bride?
The Billboard Bride is a story for my daddy. I designed the cover, and my friend Lora Doncea edited it. It’s 100% about my stubbornness during my teen and college years. Dad is my champion and my rock, and the character of Wayne Lee was inspired by him. A farm accident and diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease have slowed him some, but we’ve had so many great farm memories over the years. I also wanted to write something light and funny, in contrast to the romantic suspense I normally write. It’s meant to poke lighthearted fun at the over-the-top bridezilla movement. Hopefully, no one in real life is stubborn enough to take things as far as Melanie did, but these days I’m not so sure. My favorite parts to write were the scenes with Gertie. It may seem kind of crazy giving a cow a personality, but true farmers know they really do have their own character.
Out of all your books, if you could be one character, which one would you be and why?
If I could be a character from one of my books, I’d be Callie from Cavernous, because of her bravery. I write brave characters in the hopes that if I ever have to face a situation so frightening, I won’t back down from my faith. Steadfast like a tree…
Who is your fictional man crush?
My fictional man crush? Hmm…great question! I think maybe Max Jacobs from Ronie Kendig’s Nightshade. His struggle with PTSD was so real and touched my heart.
What is your favorite joke? Corny or otherwise.
My favorite joke. Well, you did ask for it 🙂 What do you do with a sick chemist? Answer: If you can’t helium or curium, you have to barium.
Oh my goodness! I love that one, Monica! I am a corny joke fanatic! Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?
I’m always looking for reviewers and will happily send free digital copies to anyone who’s interested.
Thanks for sharing Monica! I really appreciate you taking the time to share with my readers.Â
If you are interested in learning more about Monica’s books or her speaking engagements, check out her website at https://monicamynk.com/.
